Actor and producer Luversan Gerard's film, Neelan & Kevin, premiered at Nu Metro at the Pavillion and is now available on eVod, e.tv’s free streaming platform, and its app. The app works on phones and tablets, and you can access it on any browser on a computer or Smart TV. It’s free.

“It’s incredibly humbling. Etv/Evod has shown great support for local stories and first-time producers. It’s amazing to be part of a platform that champions diversity and creativity,” said Gerard.

Gerard, who is formerly from Pietermaritzburg but currently lives in Fourways, Johannesburg, is also a screenwriter and when the opportunity arises, he consults on story development.

“I started studying IT at the Durban Institute of Technology (now known as the Durban University of Technology) but left to pursue acting. Later, I became an occupationally directed education, training and development practitioner trainer, which gave me insights into connecting with people and storytelling.

“I don’t have formal training, but I’ve been lucky to learn from industry professionals since 2003. I’ve been in film full-time since 2015 and have had amazing mentors along the way.”

He added that the idea for the film started in 2015 during a casual chat with Brendon Daniels, who plays Neelan.

“In 2019, we decided we had to do this and actor Kaseran Pillay had to be onscreen with us. By early 2020, the first draft of the script was done. It took two years of planning and e.tv stepped in to bring it to life.”

Gerard said working on the film was a dream come true, even though they faced many challenges. The passion of the crew and cast, he said, made it worthwhile and now they are excited to share their film with the world.

“The inspiration behind the film was my family. My parents, brother, cousins, and friends inspired the story. It’s a love letter to those connections, though any similarities to real people are purely coincidental."

He said Neelan & Kevin was about two brothers who lose their mother’s Tupperware to drug dealers. They decide to get it back.

“It’s a mix of comedy, action, and heartfelt moments about the lengths we go to for family."

Gerard plays Kevin, the younger brother, who is a tad impulsive but loves his family.

"His journey mirrors my own struggles with identity growing up in a mixed-race family. Kevin is brash and action-oriented but looks to his older brother for guidance. I resonated with that dynamic, as my brother has always been a big influence in my life.”

He said that at first, people thought he was crazy, but his family, cousins, friends, and colleagues have always believed in him and their support kept him going.

“I’ve produced a few short films, one of which made it to festivals, but Neelan & Kevin is my first feature film. Professionally, I write, produce, consult on stories, and use my training experience whenever I can.”

Gerard added that his work was his passion, but he also loved watching films and reading. Stories have always been his escape and inspiration.

“I’m working on projects like the mystery thriller The Grasscutter, the action thriller Runtime with Anthony Oseyemi, and the fantasy tale The Death Taker. I dream of a stable industry with fairer copyright laws, royalties for actors, and more diverse storytelling because representation makes all the difference in this world.”

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